On 21 May, the Russian Ministry of Defence announced the delivery of nuclear munitions to the territory of Belarus. The ministry explained that this was part of the second stage of exercises on the use of non-strategic nuclear weapons. The announcement came amidst the Kremlin's escalating rhetoric against the West and the announced joint military manoeuvres with Minsk.
Official statement of the Russian Ministry of Defence
On Wednesday, the Russian Ministry of Defence announced the completion of the first part of the exercises to prepare for the use of non-strategic nuclear weapons. According to the ministry, as part of the second stage, the Russian military delivered nuclear munitions to the territory of Belarus. This is stated in a report published on the official website of the Russian defence ministry.
Training in two stages
According to the report, the exercise consisted of two parts. The first stage took place on Russian territory, where the military practised preparations for the use of non-strategic nuclear weapons. The second stage involves the involvement of Belarusian units and joint training in the use of such munitions. The Russian Ministry of Defence stressed that the exercises are being held on the instructions of the president Vladimir Putin.
Context and international response
The Russian defence ministry explained that the purpose of the exercise was to «increase the readiness of non-nuclear forces for deterrence». About delivery of nuclear munitions to the territory of Belarus became known after a series of statements by the Kremlin about the possibility of using nuclear weapons in response to the West's actions. The information about the transport was confirmed in an official press release.
Belarus' role in the exercise
During the second stage of the manoeuvres, Belarusian units will take part in joint operations with the Russian military. The Russian Ministry of Defence clarified that these exercises are aimed at «ensuring the security of the Union State».
